Fitness / September 22, 2024

Instant Pot Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf made easier and just as tasty.

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Growing up, it was a guarantee that at least one night a week we’d have meatloaf. Over time, it became comfort food. The ingredients are simple, it doesn’t take long to put together, and the end result is reliably delicious.

If the name of this recipe makes you a little skeptical, don’t be. The process of putting the meatloaf together doesn’t change, just the way it’s cooked. The Instant Pot still produces a meatloaf that’s juicy and packed with flavor. It also makes it a little easier to cook two meatloaves at once in case you have a lot of mouths to feed. Making meatloaf in an Instant Pot is just a new twist on a classic dish that’s worth trying out.

Of course, there are plenty of other meatloaves to try. It starts with an easy turkey meatloaf recipe. I also want to bring to your attention this recipe for Italian meatloaf, which some people might actually like more than traditional meatloaf. If you adhere to a strict diet, I would recommend trying low-carb paleo meatloaf. And if you want to mix things up, I suggest you try making mini meatloaf with pineapple BBQ sauce. I assure you, it’s like no other meatloaf you’ve ever tasted.

Is Instant Pot Meatloaf Healthy?

Making meatloaf in an Instant Pot should be just as healthy as any other meatloaf recipe. With lean ground beef, you’re going to get a lot of protein. This recipe is also high in iron and potassium, giving it a good nutritional profile. Unfortunately, the levels of sodium and cholesterol are going to be a little high, so try to use low-sodium ingredients if available. Also, if you’re someone with high cholesterol, this may not be the best recipe for you, which is why you may want to consider one of the meatloaves I mention above, such as the turkey meatloaf.

Just a Little Extra

One of the great things about meatloaf is that everybody seems to have their secret ingredient that makes it different from everyone else’s meatloaf. You can still use yours while cooking meatloaf in an Instant Pot. Need a suggestion? Well, some people like to add Ritz crackers to the mixture to give it a little more crunch and texture. Others like to use panko instead of breadcrumbs (or both). For a little more zip, I recommend using barbecue sauce in addition to the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

It’s possible to make vegetables a bigger part of your recipe. This can give the meatloaf more vitamins and minerals, which is always a positive. Adding carrots and celery is a good way to add flavor to your meatloaf mixture. I also like sautéing the onions before putting them in the meatloaf mixture to create even more flavor.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup for glaze
2 tablespoons brown sugar for glaze
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for glaze

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine meat and seasonings; form a loaf.

Cook

Pressure cook in Instant Pot.

Glaze

Apply glaze and broil.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I prep and store this meatloaf?

The meatloaf mixture can be made up to 24 hours in advance and wrapped tightly in foil until you’re ready to put it in the Instant Pot. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and stay edible in the fridge for up to four days.

Should I glaze the meatloaf before cooking it?

While this is an option, with an Instant Pot, it’s best to put the glaze on after taking the meatloaf out. Keep in mind there is already ketchup and Worcestershire sauce in the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

An obvious choice for side dish is mashed potatoes. For something slightly fancier, try this garlic mashed potatoes recipe. Mac and cheese was another side dish I had a lot with my meatloaf growing up. Nowadays, I would recommend making gluten-free mac and cheese with zucchini noodles or doing the adult thing and adding some vegetables to the meal. If you want to go that route, I suggest grilled broccoli to complement the meatloaf or perhaps a kale salad with cranberries.

Instant Pot Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf made easier and just as tasty.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 348kcal

Author Bryan Zarpentine

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef 90% lean
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup for glaze
2 tablespoons brown sugar for glaze
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for glaze

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place on a piece of aluminum foil. Fold the edges of the foil up to create a ‘boat’ around the meatloaf.
Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Place the foil with the meatloaf on the trivet. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
While the meatloaf cooks, mix together 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.
Once the Instant Pot cycle is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes then do a quick release. Carefully remove the meatloaf, apply the glaze, and broil in the oven for 5 minutes until the glaze is bubbly.